Sec. 8. Petition for degrees and affiliation shall be in writing, signed by the applicant, and recommended by at least two (2) members of the lodge. The petition for degrees shall not be received unless the petitioner shall have answered in his own handwriting the questions in the prescribed form. The petition shall be accompanied by at least one-half (1/2) payment of the degrees fees and a photo showing the whole person of the applicant taken not later than six (6) months prior to the petition. The photograph should at least be 3-1/2 x 5" in size.